Lim presides mass wedding in Manila

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning spent Valentines Day by officiating the mass wedding of 110 couples at Palma Hall, Universidad de Manila (formerly City College of Manila). Some couples had been living together for the past 5 or 10 years without the benefit of marriage.

"Importante ang pagmamahal, kung anuman ang darating sa buhay nyo, ok lang ang selos dahil ito ay tanda ng pagmamahal. Hanggang sa huli ng buhay ninyo huwag kayong maghihiwalay," Mayor Lim told the couples.

While officiating the ceremonies, Lim declared his opposition to the legalization of divorce in the country, stressing the need to preserve the sanctity of marriage as a binding force between parents and their children.

Standing as principal sponsors at the Palma Hall for "Kasalang Bayan ngayong Valentine 2012" were Councilors Josie Siscar and Lou Veloso, Chairmen Thelma Lim, Ligaya Santos, Sally Dy, Edwin "Bal" Billanes, Guia Castro, Silvester "Boy" Dumagat, Ben Kalalo, Teresita Sicat and Irene Rillo.

Civil Registry Chief Encarnacion Ocampo took care of all the documentary requirements for the newlyweds.

Among the 110 newlyweds is the oldest couple Jose Jaca, 72 years old and Carolina Ibanez, 67 years of 2554 Lamayan St. , Sta. Ana, and 14 pregnant women.

Universidad de Manila Vice-President Alma Solancho and MACHRA President Itchie G. Cabayan were also present to witness the valentine wedding this 2012. - manila.gov.ph — ARA